If you are a man over 50, or have a loved one who is, it is never too soon to take a beat and focus on taking care of your body by eating right, exercising, and incorporating some basic suggestions for wellness.
Why is Men’s Health Month so Important?
The numbers below might be a bit tough to read, but this is straight-talk at its finest. Check out these leading statistics:
- Men typically die 5 years younger than women. The average life expectancy for men in the U.S. is roughly 75. For women, it’s more than 80.
- Heart disease is the number one killer of men.
- 1 in 2 men are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
- Men die at higher rates from 9 of the top 10 causes of death.
Now, it’s not all doom and gloom, here’s the good news: Early detection of health issues, along with adopting healthy lifestyle habits, can improve the health and life expectancy of men.
8 Things You Can Start Now To Live A Healthier Life
1. Eat Better
If the idea of rethinking your diet makes you roll your eyes, try just starting small. Then see if you feel better, stronger, or have more energy. If so, consider making it a permanent change. Building healthy diet habits can help men over the age of 50 reduce their risk for a variety of health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer. Plus, you benefit from better sleep and more energy. Try eating more vegetables and fruits and reducing dishes that contain heavy fats or cholesterol. And remember, men over 50 need more calcium, vitamin D, fiber and potassium. Mushrooms are good choices. So are eggs and avocados. Halibut and tuna. Don’t forget to cut back on alcohol and drink more water.
2. Get Regular Checkups
Getting a regular annual exam and regular checkups and screenings is the key to early detection. Schedule a regular checkup on your business calendar if you are still working and keep the appointment. Be sure you tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, so they can help you avoid any potentially life-threatening drug interactions. As one ages, it’s common to be taking more medications, which means the risk of side effects and adverse interactions can increase. So giving your physician a complete list of drugs is vital.
In addition to a regular checkup, it’s a good idea to maintain a schedule for health screenings. Here are some recommended by Johns Hopkins for men 65+:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Blood pressure
- Colorectal cancer
- Depression
- Diabetes mellitus, type 2
- Lipid disorders
4. Move More
Some men can’t seem to sit still. They’re either sweeping the front walk, playing with the dog, or walking around the block. But many men are sitting too many hours a day, at a desk or on the couch watching TV. It’s important to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity in each day, 5 days a week. Regular exercise tones up your heart, circulation, and muscles; strengthens bones; boosts brain function; lifts your mood; and can help prevent and ease depression. And if you have reduced mobility, there are cardiovascular, strength training, and flexibility exercises that offer you the health benefits you need.
5. Wear Sunscreen
And yes, this even includes applying sunscreen during the winter months in New Hampshire. Getting Vitamin D from being outdoors is great—as long as you’re careful. Up to 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have at least one skin cancer. It’s never too late to take steps to prevent further damage from the sun. Try to avoid the sun during peak hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., wear a hat and sunglasses, and liberally apply SPF 30 or greater sunscreen to all exposed skin.
6. Stop Smoking
Tobacco smoking is the number one preventable cause of death in the U.S. and the primary cause of COPD and lung cancer. In addition, smoking increases the risk of eye diseases that can lead to vision loss and blindness, including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). When you smoke, your muscles tire more easily. Wounds are harder to heal. And smoking can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction. The CDC reports that the life expectancy of a smoker is at least 10 years shorter than it is for a non-smoker. And no, cigars aren’t safer than cigarettes, even if you don’t inhale the smoke. So when that new grandbaby is born, don’t light up—celebrate in a healthy way!
7. Spend Time With Others
One of the best things you can do for your overall health is to build strong social connections with others. Find people you enjoy, and share activities and events with them. Rather than sit alone at home, walk with a friend. Have lunch with a neighbor. Volunteer at the local theater. Mentor a budding entrepreneur. Having a purpose, being connected, and pursuing positive leisure experiences is just plain good for your health. Socialization can enhance your immune system, improve memory, reduce stress, boost self-esteem, help you sleep better, and fight off depression. Make it a priority to be around others and have some fun—your body (and your mind) will thank you.
8. Listen To Your Body
After a life of building a career, raising a family, being a good friend and achieving goals, you want to be as healthy as you can be so you can enjoy it all. Set new goals. Decide what needs attention. Would you feel better if you lost a few pounds? Started a new strength training program so you could feel stronger? Redesigned your eating habits for more energy? Think about coming up with a plan, and talk with your doctor.
Life At Silverstone Living
At Silverstone Living, our diverse programs, amenities, and events promote physical activity, stimulate the mind, bring purpose and meaning to life, encourage social engagement, provide an environment that’s beautiful for effortless living, and nourish the mind and body. We call it Empowered Living. Contact us to learn more.
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If you are a man over 50, or have a loved one who is, it is never too soon to take a beat and focus on taking care of your body by eating right, exercising, and incorporating some basic suggestions for wellness.
Why is Men’s Health Month so Important?
The numbers below might be a bit tough to read, but this is straight-talk at its finest. Check out these leading statistics:
- Men typically die 5 years younger than women. The average life expectancy for men in the U.S. is roughly 75. For women, it’s more than 80.
- Heart disease is the number one killer of men.
- 1 in 2 men are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
- Men die at higher rates from 9 of the top 10 causes of death.
Now, it’s not all doom and gloom, here’s the good news: Early detection of health issues, along with adopting healthy lifestyle habits, can improve the health and life expectancy of men.
8 Things You Can Start Now To Live A Healthier Life
1. Eat Better
If the idea of rethinking your diet makes you roll your eyes, try just starting small. Then see if you feel better, stronger, or have more energy. If so, consider making it a permanent change. Building healthy diet habits can help men over the age of 50 reduce their risk for a variety of health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer. Plus, you benefit from better sleep and more energy. Try eating more vegetables and fruits and reducing dishes that contain heavy fats or cholesterol. And remember, men over 50 need more calcium, vitamin D, fiber and potassium. Mushrooms are good choices. So are eggs and avocados. Halibut and tuna. Don’t forget to cut back on alcohol and drink more water.
2. Get Regular Checkups
Getting a regular annual exam and regular checkups and screenings is the key to early detection. Schedule a regular checkup on your business calendar if you are still working and keep the appointment. Be sure you tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, so they can help you avoid any potentially life-threatening drug interactions. As one ages, it’s common to be taking more medications, which means the risk of side effects and adverse interactions can increase. So giving your physician a complete list of drugs is vital.
In addition to a regular checkup, it’s a good idea to maintain a schedule for health screenings. Here are some recommended by Johns Hopkins for men 65+:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Blood pressure
- Colorectal cancer
- Depression
- Diabetes mellitus, type 2
- Lipid disorders
4. Move More
Some men can’t seem to sit still. They’re either sweeping the front walk, playing with the dog, or walking around the block. But many men are sitting too many hours a day, at a desk or on the couch watching TV. It’s important to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity in each day, 5 days a week. Regular exercise tones up your heart, circulation, and muscles; strengthens bones; boosts brain function; lifts your mood; and can help prevent and ease depression. And if you have reduced mobility, there are cardiovascular, strength training, and flexibility exercises that offer you the health benefits you need.
5. Wear Sunscreen
And yes, this even includes applying sunscreen during the winter months in New Hampshire. Getting Vitamin D from being outdoors is great—as long as you’re careful. Up to 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have at least one skin cancer. It’s never too late to take steps to prevent further damage from the sun. Try to avoid the sun during peak hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., wear a hat and sunglasses, and liberally apply SPF 30 or greater sunscreen to all exposed skin.
6. Stop Smoking
Tobacco smoking is the number one preventable cause of death in the U.S. and the primary cause of COPD and lung cancer. In addition, smoking increases the risk of eye diseases that can lead to vision loss and blindness, including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). When you smoke, your muscles tire more easily. Wounds are harder to heal. And smoking can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction. The CDC reports that the life expectancy of a smoker is at least 10 years shorter than it is for a non-smoker. And no, cigars aren’t safer than cigarettes, even if you don’t inhale the smoke. So when that new grandbaby is born, don’t light up—celebrate in a healthy way!
7. Spend Time With Others
One of the best things you can do for your overall health is to build strong social connections with others. Find people you enjoy, and share activities and events with them. Rather than sit alone at home, walk with a friend. Have lunch with a neighbor. Volunteer at the local theater. Mentor a budding entrepreneur. Having a purpose, being connected, and pursuing positive leisure experiences is just plain good for your health. Socialization can enhance your immune system, improve memory, reduce stress, boost self-esteem, help you sleep better, and fight off depression. Make it a priority to be around others and have some fun—your body (and your mind) will thank you.
8. Listen To Your Body
After a life of building a career, raising a family, being a good friend and achieving goals, you want to be as healthy as you can be so you can enjoy it all. Set new goals. Decide what needs attention. Would you feel better if you lost a few pounds? Started a new strength training program so you could feel stronger? Redesigned your eating habits for more energy? Think about coming up with a plan, and talk with your doctor.
Life At Silverstone Living
At Silverstone Living, our diverse programs, amenities, and events promote physical activity, stimulate the mind, bring purpose and meaning to life, encourage social engagement, provide an environment that’s beautiful for effortless living, and nourish the mind and body. We call it Empowered Living. Contact us to learn more.
